Adjustable-program time switch

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to an adjustable program time switch assembly. The assembly includes a rotatable timing disk which has a metal surface and an insulator control element mounted for rotation in unison with the disk and in masking relating to predetermined portions of the metal surface. A plurality of fixed contacts brushingly engage the timing disk metal surface except where such surface is masked by the insulator control element.

United States Patent 1191 1111' 3,746,806 Jespersen July 17,' 1973 1 ADJUSTABLE-PROGRAM TIME SWITCH 2,055,031 9/1936 Hutchings 200/38 c 2,981,807 4/1961 Smith 200/38 DA [751' lnvenm" Akse' Jespersen 2,945,924 7/1960 Harman 200/38 0 x Denmark 3,531,603 9/1970 Ashman 200/11 TW ux [73] Assignee: Danioss A/S, Nordborg, Denmark [22] Filed: No 12, 1971 Primary Examiner-J. R. Scott [2]] App No I 198 218 Attorney-Wayne B. Easton [30] Foreign Application Priority Data CT .Nov. 16, 1970 Germany P20 56 2521 This invention relates. to an adjustable program time switch assembly. The assembly includes a rotatable [52] 200/37 l timing disk which has a metal surface and an insulator Int Cl "01h 43/10 control element mounted for rotation in unison with I I n u I l l a a l l a u e a s u u t s A u 0| [58] Field of Search ZOO/38 5 2 tions of the metal surface. A plurality of fixed contacts brushingly engage the timing disk metalsurface except where such surface is masked by the insulator control [56] References Cited e] e m ant UNlTED STATES PATENTS 2,853,563 9/1958 Bole et a] 200/38 C 7 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures ADJUSTABLE-PROGRAM TIME SWITCH Theinvention relates to an adjustable-program time switch in which a control element which acts upon the actuating element of at least one'stationary switch can be fitted to a rotating timing disc.

Such-time switches are required for example for controlling the-temperature in the case of a heating installation..It may for example be necessary toreduce the running temperature during certain times (at night) or to raise it (rapid heating in the morning) in relation to a normal temperature which is dependent on the weather, for instance. It is also often requiredtooperate inaccordanee with a weekend program which for example enables the running temperature in an office building tobekept at a lower level'from Friday evening until Monday morning.

Conversely, ina dwelling which is heatedto a limited extent on-weekdays, it may be desired to use thenormal running temperature over the entire weekend.

Time switches of this kindare known in which displaceable slidescan be fittedto a rotating'timing disc. Although ,constructionsof thiskind can be used in the case of a 24-hour'timer, an extremely large'number of slides are required for a 7-day timer. Furthermore, the slides, with the aid of the time switch to be actuated,

can only provide an on or off control. Thus, additional switch of-the initially described kind which is of considerably simpler construction, is inexpensive to produce and can be set in a convenient manner not only by the manufacturer and the people who install it, but also by the customer, to provide a program to suit individual needs and in particular a weekly program.

According to the invention, thisobject is achieved by the control element :being constituted by ,a programming disc which maybe fitted on the rear of the timing disc and comprises at the circumference an annular zone in which gaps extending from the circumference may be formed, and by the actuating element being located at the annular zone in such manner that itcan be controlled in dependence upon the gaps.

In this construction, all the slides are replaced by a programming disc. Each gap provides a continuous command of definite length; thus, no additional steps are necessary for converting an on or off com'mandinto a continuous one. This results in a time switch that is of simpleconstructionand is inexpensive. The program can be readily selected to suit individual requirements. In the simplest case, the use of a pair of shears suffices for providing the required gaps in the programming disc. The program can be triedout'without difficulty on site and can be altered by altering the gaps. Since the programming disc is a very inexpensive component, a

number-of discs can be provided with each time switch so that the program can be readily changed, e.g., anormal program can be changed for one for use during holidays, and a stock of programming discs can be made available for the purpose of repeatedly changing the program.

It is advantageous if the actuating element is adapted to be moved at right-angles to the timing disc and is biased by aspring. The timing disc then acts as a backing for the spring-biased actuating element and as a support for the programming disc. The programming disc can therefore be made of thin light material.

In a preferred arrangement, at least two switches are provided in positions radially offset from each other. Both switches can be actuated by surfaces defining the gaps. In this way, a plurality of control circuits can be actuated without additional expense or complication. If at least one switch is in addition offset in the circumferential direction from another switch, a time shift of the actuation of the control circuit is achieved.

In a particularly advantageous manner, the actuating element constitutes the switch contact, the programming disc is made of insulating material and the timing disc consists on its rear face of electrically conductive materiaLFor the purpose of insulation, it sufficesif use is made of a very thin programming disc in which gaps can'be very readily provided. The timing disc then acts as part of the'electric circuit. In this connection, it is expedient if a contact bearing continuously on the timing disc is provided outside the programming switch. A common supply lead can be connected to this contact, whereas the contacts controlled by the gaps in theprogramming disc are associated with the individual control circuits.

In accordance with a further feature, the annular zone on the programming disc may be radially widened to extend beyond the actuating element, atleast one partly coloured contrastdisc may be fitted behind this widened portion, and the timing disc may contain openings in the vicinity of the widened portion. In this way, the gaps can beobserved through the timing disc, this facilitating inspection. The contrast-disc may also have zones of different colour, for example black for the week days and red for Sunday.

Furthermore, the contrast disc may'incorporate a central stud on which the timing and programming discs are secured, and an eccentric pin which extends through the timing and programming discs. In this way, thethree-discs are securely interconnected and are prevented from rotating relatively to each other. It is also advantageous if the timing disc consists of a metal disc and a transparent covering disc, a time scale being provided on the visible faces of these discs. This time scale is precisely correlated with the programming disc visible through the timing disc, so that the time scale on the timing disc enables the programming disc to be read off.

The annular zone of the programming disc preferably carries a uniform radial marking. This not only'facilitates reading when the program disc is fitted in its final position, but also makes it easier to form the gaps. In this connection, it is also of advantage if two'concentric graduated rings are provided inwardly of the annular zone, one of these indicating days and the other hours.

In a preferred construction, the programming disc is made ofa brittle material, e.g., polystyrol. In disc form this material has considerable strength. If however, two radial cuts are made not too farapart, then the material between the cuts can be readily broken off. This procedure can be rendered easier if the annular zone is defined on the inside by a line along which the material is of reduced thickness.

The construction is improved if the contrast disc has a bearing sleeve on the exterior of which is mounted a drive gearwheel and which is internally supported on a fixed journal. The gearwheel driven by the timing mechanism then rotates the contrast disc, the program- 3 ming disc and the timing disc jointly. For the purpose of obtaining a basic setting, it is expedient to provide a one-way slipping clutch between the gearwheel and the contrast disc. This slipping clutch can be constituted in the normal way by a spring.

The invention will now be described in more detail by reference to an embodiment illustrated in the drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front'view of a time switch in accordance with the invention,

FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-section through the time switch of FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the time switch of FIG. 1,

FIG. 4 shows a programming switch with a modified program,

FIG. 5 illustrates the contact assembly in an inoperative position, and

FIG. 6 is cross-sectional view showing the contact assembly in its operative position.

Fitted on a frame 1 which can be mounted on the casing of a regulator with the aid of fixing elements 2, are a timing mechanism 3 with an output gear 4, a pivot pin 5 and a set of three radially offset switches 6, 7 and 8. Each switch has a contact 9, 10 and 11.

The output gear 4 drives a gearwheel 12 which is connected to a contrast disc 14 through a slipping clutch 13. The contrast disc has a bearing sleeve 15 which carries a drive gearwheel 12 and is mounted on a fixed journal 5. The contrast disc 14 also has a central stud 16 on which a programming disc 17 and a timing disc 18 are secured with the aid of a nut 19. An eccentric pin 20 extends through corresponding holes 21 in the programming disc 17 and the timing disc 19 so that a precise angular correlation is achieved. The timing disc 18 consists of a metal disc 22 and a transparent covering disc 23. A screw 24 and a washer 25 hold the contrast disc in the required axial position on the journal 5. By loosening the nut 19 it is possible to remove the timing disc 18 and to replace or alter the programming disc.

FIG. 4 shows a programming disc 17 made of brittle material and consisting of an annular zone 26, carrying radial lines, and a central portion 27. Between these two portions there are provided concentric graduated rings 28 and 29 one of which indicates days and the other weeks. Each of the radial lines corresponds to an hour. Along the line 30 the material of the disc is of reduced thickness. If two radial cuts are made in the disc along the lines 31 and 32 for instance by means of a pair of shears, the intermediate portion of the annular zone 26 can be easily broken off so that a gap 33 is created. In the case of the programming disc shown in FIG. 4 five such gaps 33 in all are provided,-each of these gaps covering the period from 10 o'clock at night to 6 o'clock in the morning and corresponding to a low ering of the running temperature during the night. Only at the weekend is a larger gap 34 provided, this cover ing the period from 2 o'clock on Friday afternoon to 6 o'clock on Monday morning. A disc of this kind is suitable for example for controlling the heating of an office building.

The annular zone may be divided into three subzones which are designated by the letters A, B and C. Sub-zone A is the stretch that controls the contact 10 of switch 7, sub-zone B is the stretch that controls the contact 11 of switch 8. Sub-zone C is a widened portion of the main annular zone provided for reasons of visibility.

Referring to FIG. 4, the two contacts 10 and 11 are shown in broken lines. They are not only offset from each other in the radial direction but also in the circumferential direction so that they are actuated in succession in terms of time. A similar offsetting of the actuation of the contacts with time is achieved by imparting to the gaps in the individual sub-zones differing circumferential lengths. For example, in a gap 33 there is shown a broken limiting line 35 which renders the gap in the sub-zone A effective over a longer period than in the sub-zone B.

In the construction shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, use is made of a programming disc which comprises gaps 33 of uniform size for all seven days of the week. The transparent covering disc 23 for the timing disc has on its rear side a double time scale 36 which again indi cates days of the week and hours and corresponds to the time scale 28, 29 on the programming disc. An arrow 37 drawn in broken lines indicates the particular hour and day when the timer is incorporated in the casing of a regulator. The metal disc 22 forming the timing disc is provided with an annular opening 38 inwardly of the time scale 36, only thin webs 39 holding the outer ring and the middle portion of the metal disc 22 together. The opening 38 is disposed at the same level as sub-zone C of the programming disc. The contrast disc 14 is coloured black on its front face in the present example. If the individual discs are now assembled in the correct relationship, then the gaps 33 in the programming disc can be seen through the opening 38.

When the programming disc 17 is provided with the required gaps and is fitted in the timer, the assembly constituted by the discs 14, 17 and 18 is rotated, by using the slipping clutch 13, to an extent such that the arrow 37 correctly indicates the day and hour. In the position illustrated, the contact 9 then bears against the rear face of the metal disc 22, whereas the contacts 10 and 11 are separated from the metal disc 22 by the programming disc 17. When the contacts 10 and 11 pass into the gaps 33 they likewise touch the rear face of the metal disc 22. Two control circuits can then be closed, one through the contact 9, the disc 22 and the contact 10, and the other through the contact 9, the disc 22 and the contact 11. It has already been mentioned that the contacts 10 and 11 can be actuated in succession in terms of time. Then, for control purposes, a total of four variations is available namely l) two contacts 10 and 11 are lifted from the disc 22, (2) both contacts 10 and 11 bear against the disc, (3) only contact 10 bears on the disc 22, and (4) only contact 11 bears on the disc 22. This enables a large number of possible control operations to be carried out.

The programming disc is generally adapted to suit particular requirements by the people installing the system or by the customer. This does not however preclude the possibility of the manufacturer supplying programming discs which already correspond to frequently required programming cycles and which only require to be slightly altered, if at all, at the place where the equipment is to be fitted.

I claim:

1. An adjustable program timer comprising a switch assembly including fixed gang insulative contact supporting means with a plurality of resilient leaf spring contacts supported therein, a timing rotor rotatably mounted relative to said contacts, said timing rotor having an electrically conducting surface, one of said resilient contacts continuously engaging the conductive surface of said timing rotor, a disposable programming disk made of a thin scissors cutable electrically insulating material, said disk having radially extending hourly marking lines as guides for scissor cutting, said programming disk being mountable for rotation in unison with said timing rotor and in masking relation to portions of said electrically conducting surface wherein at least one of said contacts intermittently touches said surface during rotation of said rotor.

2. A time switch assembly according to claim 1 wherein two of said contacts are radially offset from each other.

3. A time switch assembly according to claim 1 wherein two of said switches are circumferentially offset from each other.

4. A time switch assembly according to claim 1 wherein one of said contacts bears continuously against said timing rotor surface.

5. -A time switch assembly according to claim 1 wherein said programming disk has a central annularly shaped portion in symmetrical relation to the axis of said timing rotor, and circumferentially spaced masking portions extending radially outwardly from said central portion.

6. A time switch assembly according to claim 5 including a color disk behind said programming disk having a color surface visible between said circumferentially spaced masking portions.

7. A time switch assembly according to claim 5 wherein said masking portions have uniform radially extending markings. 

1. An adjustable program timer comprising a switch assembly including fixed gang insulative contact supporting means with a plurality of resilient leaf spring contacts supported therein, a timing rotor rotatably mounted relative to said contacts, said timing rotor having an electrically conducting surface, one of said resilient contacts continuously engaging the conductive surface of said timing rotor, a disposable programming disk made of a thin scissors cutable electrically insulating material, said disk having radially extending hourly marking lines as guides for scissor cutting, said programming disk being mountable for rotation in unison with said timing rotor and in masking relation to portions of said electrically conducting surface wherein at least one of said contacts intermittently touches said surface during rotation of said rotor.
 2. A time switch assembly according to claim 1 wherein two of said contacts are radially offset from each other.
 3. A time switch assembly according to claim 1 wherein two of said switches are circumferentially offset from each other.
 4. A time switch assembly according to claim 1 wherein one of said contacts bears continuously against said timing rotor surface.
 5. A time switch assembly according to claim 1 wherein said programming disk has a central annulaRly shaped portion in symmetrical relation to the axis of said timing rotor, and circumferentially spaced masking portions extending radially outwardly from said central portion.
 6. A time switch assembly according to claim 5 including a color disk behind said programming disk having a color surface visible between said circumferentially spaced masking portions.
 7. A time switch assembly according to claim 5 wherein said masking portions have uniform radially extending markings. 